Athletes use us for speedy recovery, high level maintenance - and "Tune-Up"

Practitioners from the Central London Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinics have been flown out to most parts of the World to help athletes in training and competing. We are renowned by the Elite Athletes for the speed of recovery from injury and the help we can give leading up to (and during) major championships.

Sports "Tune-Up"

The "Tune-Up" is a treatment designed by osteopath Torben Hersborg to:

1) Free up restricted joints

Joints that are not moving 100% freely will slow you down and require more muscular effort and energy, therefore tiring you more. Your potentionally full range of movement will not be achieved neither.

2) Stimulate relevant muscle groups

Torben Hersborg from the Central London Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinic giving treatment for ankle sprain under the supervision of Jamaican Olympic Head Coach, Glen Mills.

Muscles that are not relaxed and alert will not react fast and explosive but will be more prone to injury and consume excessive energy. Tight muscles will also reduce your range of movement.

3) Free up the diaphragm

4) Connect the body

One part of the body, that doesn't function optimally can affect other areas e.g.: A little neck restriction, irritating the motor fibres of the nerves that supply the arm can reduce the responce of the target muscles as far away as the fingers.

Muscle chains are muscles which enhance (or reduce) other muscles eg: Postural muscles in the neck can affect postural muscles in the lower back, so a lower back weakness can be caused by a muscular tension in the neck.

In the normal gait pattern, the arm swing is chained to the leg swing, so a shoulder problem can affect the hip (and vice versa) through a faulty muscle chain.

5) Target known weaknesses and areas prone to injury

Have you got any known weaknesses or injury prone areas special attention will be given to this. The "Tune-Up" starts with case history taking, top-to-toe examination incl. muscular performance and joint movements. Then the treatment typically involves manipulation of the spine (helping the central control of the whole body), manipulation of peripheral joints and soft-tissue work including reflex- and trigger point therapy. The athlete usually instantly feels free and invigorated, ready to perform to their very best.

We are trusted by competitors up to the level of Olympic Gold Medallists, World Record Holders and World Champions from several Continents. Many of our

practitioners having International and Olympic background themselves - to name a few:

Torben Hersborg, Osteopath

Has competed at International level in Judo for decades with around 15 medals at National Championships and a 5th at the World Masters Championships in 2002.

Nusrat Ceesay, sports massage therapist

Nusrat is a GB International in the 400m hurdles, having won the British title, she is also the Gambian Record Holder - she has been a sports massage therapist in the Central London Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinic since 2005.

Anna Markee, sports massage therapist and teacher of sports massage

Apart from treating at the London Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinics, Anna is a teacher of sports massage at the London School of Sports Massage, the premier college for sports massage in London. Her background as a professional dancer gives her a great understanding of the functional body. Amongst her massage techniques are myofascial release, soft tissue release, neuromuscular technique, muscle energy technique and connective tissue massage.

Michael Bartley BSc(Hons), LSSM (Dip), Sports massage therapist

Michael qualified through the reputable London School of Sports Massage and has been covering at both clinics over the past 7 years. More recently he has undertaken a weekly Tuesday slot at the Kings Cross clinic and Fridays at the Old Street clinic. Michael has a degree in Sports Science & Nutrition and is a very keen runner, cyclist and fitness guru, with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. He will be more than happy to offer his expert training and fitness advice, while treating your tired and aching muscles. Michael uses a combination of deep tissue massage, soft tissue release (STR), neuromuscular technique (NMT), friction, mobilisation and more recently medical acupuncture to help the tissue back to full function. He prides himself on using minimum pressure and effort with maximum results. A painful massage does not guarantee the best results. Over the years Michael has acquired a diverse range of clients, including: runners, tri-athletes, semi-pro footballers, office workers, military personnel, yoga practitioners and contortionists (to name a few).

"I am a keen runner and have suffered with long-term niggles from a slightly misaligned pelvis which can cause tightness in my hamstring and piriformis. Whilst training for the London Marathon and post-marathon I visited Michael on a number of occasions for in-depth sports massage on my legs and piriformis. Michael was the consummate professional and expertly and quickly was able to diagnose and apply the most appropriate level and type of massage using his extensive knowledge. His skilful massage most definitely improved my training, performance and post race recovery. I would recommend his services to all sports personnel whether they be novices or highly active"

“After suffering for several weeks with a hip problem, which was affecting my running training, I decided to book an appointment with Michael. Some of the treatment was uncomfortable, at the time, however after only one session he managed to locate and treat the problem area. He prescribed some stretches for me to do at home and within a week I was back to my regular running regime.”

Rita Saha, Sports massage therapist

Rita has been practising Massage Therapy - Performance, Prevention, Recovery and Rehabilitation for over 15 years. During this time she has had the privilege of working with a vast range of Clients, these include Members of the GB Athletics and Weightlifting Team, People with Spinal Cord Injury and Endurance Athletes. Rita enjoys working with new Clients and the challenges this can involve.> Rita has experience of working in Football and spent a number of years as a Therapist at a Premiership Rugby Club, travelling with them to away matches Domestic and European, as well as Preseason training overseas. Rita also works with young people and older people. A member of the 2012 Unit in Hackney, Rita continues to work as a Coach/ Instructor for the Borough.

Stephanie Douglas, sports massage therapist

Stephanie used to be a track athlete and competed at two Olympic Games (1992 and 1996), and World Championships representing Team GB and is still in the UK's Top 20 all time of fastest women over 60 and 100 metres. She has won both silver and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games. She is our newest sports massage therapist and fits well into the high standards of the Central London Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinic with her first hand understanding through her own elte sports background. She provides a range of advanced sports and remedial massage techniques in order to prevent and treat injuries, optimise the healing process and maintain your body in tip top condition. Stephanie's aim is to help each client maximise the potential of their body in order that they can perform to their best, in work, in sport or at rest. This can be achieved through regular treatment, education and body awareness. She is a fully qualified therapist with a Level 4 Diploma in Sport & Remedial Massage, and aims to use all her skills acquired in providing a first-class service to clients. Stephanie is also registered with the Sports Massage Association (the leading independent professional body for Sports Massage in the UK) and fully insured.

Pribut Pain Protoypical Staging Of Overuse Injuries In Athletes

Stage 0

o pain is present before, during or after activity. Minor discomfort may be experienced at various times during training or racing. Advice from our osteopaths and physiotherapists: Increase training.

Stage 1

Pain or stiffness after activity. The pain is usually gone by the next day.

Stage 2

Mild discomfort before activity that goes away soon after exercise is commenced. No pain is present in the latter part of the exercise. Pain returns after the exercise is completed (starting within 1 to 12 hours later and lasts up to 24 hours).Advice from our osteopaths and physiotherapists: Change your training or reduce it. If not possible, seek osteopathy, physiotherapy or sports massage.

Stage 3

Moderate pain is present before sport. Pain is present during sport activity, but is somewhat decreased. The pain is an annoyance which may alter the manner in which the sport is performed.Advice from our osteopaths and physiotherapists Seek osteopathy, physiotherapy or sports massage. Change or reduce your training.

Stage 4

Significant pain before, during, and after activity. The pain may disappear after several weeks of rest.Advice from our osteopaths and physiotherapists Stop training, seek osteopathy, physiotherapy or sports massage.

Stage 5

Pain before, during, and after activity. The athlete has stopped their sports participation because of the severity of the pain. The pain does not abate completely even after weeks of inactivity.Advice from our osteopaths and physiotherapists Seek osteopathy, physiotherapy. When adviced to train again, start slowly and gradually step it up. In some cases it is not possible to reach previous levels of training.